I worked a few summers on an orchard when quite young. There were 2 varieties of Northern Spy. The older variety was more speckly red and green and had a very unique flavor, tart and sweet and nutty all at the same time. There were also 2 kinds of Red Delicious as well.
The older variety was sweet but mellower than the new. The old gent that owned the orchard called the newer ones Double Red Delicious. Thats what you find in your grocery store and it is way too sweet and way too juicy.
    Around here (Ohio) some restaurants still serve apple pie with a slice of Swiss cheese on top, but not so much anymore.